Passage: Wetlands are ecosystems where the land is covered by water, either salt, fresh, or somewhere in between, for at least part of the year. They play a crucial role in water purification by acting as natural filters; as water moves through a wetland, plants and microorganisms remove pollutants and excess nutrients. Additionally, wetlands serve as vital buffers during storms, absorbing excess rainfall and reducing the impact of floods on nearby communities. Despite these benefits, wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide, often drained for agriculture or urban development. Conservationists emphasize that protecting wetlands is not only important for biodiversity—providing habitat for thousands of species—but also for human safety and economic stability through ecosystem services like flood control.